How long must a learner’s permit be held before a student can apply for a provisional license?

To advance from a learner’s permit to a provisional license in Texas, the individual must have held the learner’s permit for at least six months. This requirement is designed to ensure that the learner has ample time to practice driving under the supervision of a licensed driver, allowing them to develop necessary skills and confidence behind the wheel.

Having a minimum six-month period also aligns with Texas’s graduated licensing program, which aims to enhance road safety by progressively introducing new drivers to full driving privileges. During this time, learners are encouraged to log a variety of driving experiences, including night driving and driving in different road conditions, which are critical for their development as safe, responsible drivers.

The other possible durations do not meet the state's established requirement for transitioning to a provisional license, thus reinforcing the importance of the six-month holding period.